Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Delray Beach Personal Injury Attorneys

If you’ve been injured, you probably have a number of questions.
Our goal at
Metnick, Levy & Dyson your personal injury attorneys, is to offer guidance and insight when you
need it most, and this includes addressing common questions about accidents,
injuries, and your legal rights. Please feel free to review the following
questions and answers, or
give us a call at (800) 475-3781 for a free initial consultation. We serve the injured in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Boca Raton and the
surrounding areas in Palm Beach County and all of South Florida.

Q: I was in an accident, what should I do?

A: It is important to document the accident at the time. If possible, take
photographs of property damage, the accident scene, and your injuries
and take steps to preserve any evidence that might prove crucial to your
case. Also, do not discuss the circumstances of the accident with the
other party, any witness, or any insurance companies.

Q: How should I communicate with my insurance company after an accident?

A: While it is important to contact your insurance company after an accident,
do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company or investigator
without first consulting your attorney. Many victims make this mistake,
without realizing that they may give damaging information on their case,
even if it is given to their own insurance company.

Q: I did not require emergency treatment at the scene of the accident.
Should I see a doctor?

A: If you believe you are injured, make sure you see a doctor or go to
the hospital immediately, and tell your doctor all of your complaints,
whether or not you think they are serious.

Q: The insurance company sent me a check, what should I do with it?

A: Do not sign or cash any checks sent to you by an insurance company without
consulting with an attorney first. This could affect your ability to recover
future compensation.

Q: What factors should I consider when selecting an attorney to represent me?

A: Check the credentials, experience, track record, and reputation of your
prospective attorney before making a decision, and make sure you hire
a Board-Certified Civil Trial lawyer. Any lawyer that claims to be a specialist
but is not Board-Certified is not a specialist according to Florida Bar rules.

Q: What is a disk herniation?

A: The intervertebral discs in your spinal cord act as shock absorbers
between each level of your spine in your lower back (lumbar region), mid-back
(thoracic region), and neck (cervical region). When one of these disks
herniate, they are forced out of place or rupture, causing the gelatinous
material inside to ooze out, similar to a jelly donut being squeezed.
This injury can be extremely painful and debilitating. When the disk additionally
pinches on a nerve or on the spinal cord, it can cause other symptoms
such as radiating pain to the arms or legs, as well as numbness, tingling,
and weakness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see
a doctor immediately.

Q: What damages can I claim for my accident?

A: Typically where applicable, the damages you can claim are past and future
medical bills, past lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and pain
and suffering in the past and future.

Q: What is my case worth?

A: There is no simple answer to this question. Every case has a different
value. Often times, similar cases resolve for different amounts depending
on the insurance company defending the case, the liability insurance coverage,
the presence of pre-existing medical conditions, and most importantly,
the strength or weakness of liability.

Q: What is personal injury protection?

A: Personal Injury Protection is also referred to as PIP. In Florida, which
is a no-fault state, this typically comes from the injured person’s
own automobile insurance company and will usually pay up to $10,000.00
in medical bills (at 80% of the bill) and lost wages (at 60% of the income),
regardless of who caused the accident.

Q: What is bodily injury coverage?

A: Bodily injury coverage is also referred to as BI or liability coverage.
This type of insurance is what will cover an at-fault party for their
monetary liability in an accident. It is very important that you, as a
consumer, have BI coverage on your car and home, to protect yourself if
an accident happens.

Q: What is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?

A: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage is also referred to as UM/UIM
coverage. This type of automobile insurance comes from the injured accident
victim's own insurance company or from the insurance company that covered
the vehicle the victim was riding. Because liability (BI) coverage is
not mandatory in Florida, many people are driving their cars without any
liability coverage to compensate the victim if they cause an automobile
accident. Be sure to ask your insurance agent to add UM/UIM coverage to
your policy so you will be fully protected.

Q: Are all personal injury lawyers board certified?

A: No. A very small percentage of lawyers (less than 5% in the State of
Florida) hold the board certification distinction. Becoming a board certified
lawyer is similar to board certifications obtained by medical doctors
and is considered to be the highest distinction in the practice of law.
Only a board certified civil trial lawyer can refer to themselves as a
specialist under Florida Bar Rules. Any lawyer claiming to be a specialist
in personal injury who is not board certified in civil trial is not a
specialist and may not refer to themselves as a specialist. Don't be fooled
by pretenders.

Looking for more information and insight that applies to your unique case?
Call (800) 475-3781 today.

The Zealous Legal Team

You Need for Your Personal Injury Case

Metnick, Levy & Dyson
has a successful track record for proven results. As proud members of
the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, we have established a reputation as
one of the top personal injury law firms serving Delray Beach and Boynton
Beach. Trust and believe that our legal team knows and has what it takes
to reach a favorable settlement for your case. We do everything in our
power to protect the best interests of our clients, even if courtroom
litigation becomes a necessary measure.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.